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As I reflected on what the past 12 months has been like for me, I decided to go back and read the blog entry I wrote one year ago re-capping 2009 and anticipating 2010. What a difference a year makes! This New Year’s Eve there was not a trace of the reluctance to let go of one year and move forward that I experienced last year. Not because 2010 wasn’t as good as 2009 – quite the contrary, actually. 2010 was incredible – and the experiences it brought have prepared me for what is ahead. Here is a taste of the things, people, experiences and lessons I learned, loved and lived for in 2010.

I learned how little STUFF is actually worth.

Operation “No More Stuff” was a huge personal success in many ways. I committed to not purchasing any material items for 6 months, and with a few (fairly) necessary exceptions, I followed through on that commitment. Through this experience I learned about surrender, giving, denying myself, and how much more important people, relationships, and above all, Christ are than the material items in my life. I also learned so much about what the word need means, the Lord’s provision, and how to be creative with what I already have.

I loved loving this little guy.

Being an aunt to Bentley is so fun!

I also loved watching my sister be a mom…

And my parents be grandparents.

I learned how to make udon noodles.

It was way more intense than I predicted. And not gonna lie, I didn’t find them to be all that delicious. But it was still fun!

Also while in Japan…

I learned how delicious crepes are. I now have a love for them that borders on irrational and obsessive.

And learned that while real kimonos LOOK super cool and make you feel pretty special, there is NOTHING comfortable about wearing them.

I lived for being in Indy.

This is a pretty big turn in my life. For the past 3 years, I have LIVED to be on the road. And while my love for travel didn’t diminish this year, my love of Indy, and especially the people there, absolutely flourished. This year Indianapolis became home.

I loved and lived for spending time with these people:

And these:

And these:

I learned to play Dutch Blitz, which dramatically impacted how I spent my time and the shape of my finger nails. It also brings out the unhealthy side of my competition strength.

I loved getting to pour into the lives of these people. My work is a huge blessing.

I loved and lived for traveling and enjoying God’s creation… just a few:
Florida:

4th of July in DC:

Japan:

California:

We were lucky to have Easter guests (below) this year, so I made Easter baskets for the first time. I learned that I will NEVER again use that blasted Easter grass to line the baskets. Whitney and I are still finding it all over our house.

I loved and lived for going to my small group bible study every Wednesday, where I learned more about the Lord, the Bible and deep community than ever before. One of my goals this year was to build deep and purposeful community and spiritual fellowship. God really showed up and answered this prayer in ways I would have never expected.

I learned that the world doesn’t feel so big when you’re on the other side of it.

American corn on a cargo ship in Japan:

All in all, 2010 was an incredible year of growth and blessing for me. If you were a part of that (and if you’re reading this there’s a good chance you were) thanks, I love you. Here’s what’s up for 2011: